Handwritten Mail to the Chief

National Handwriting Day in the U.S.A. will be on January 23, 2013. The “lost art” of handwriting is celebrated each January 23 on John Hancock’s birthday.

In order to promote good penmanship, and civic engagement, the Handwriting Without Tears company is encouraging elementary students to send handwritten letters to the President. They can provide advice and “share … hopes for the future, words of wisdom, good wishes” as President Obama’s second term begins. Letters should be sent to Mail to the Chief by January 15, 2013. Their web site has information on how to participate, for grades K-5, including downloadable information packets and double-lined paper. You can visit their site here: http://www.hwtears.com/sites/default/lpform/mttc2012form.php?pc=website

Why handwritten letters? Handwriting Without Tears maintains that “Handwriting is more than a style—it’s a thought process. It’s the primary way elementary students communicate. Handwriting promotes an organized approach to communication, maximizes thinking time, and boosts creativity.”

Here are a few of the more interesting suggestions from handwritten letters send by students at the beginning of the President’s first term:

· “You should get a group of scientists to try to make a flying car that runs on air.” (Ryan in Delaware)

· “Always be truthful. You will avoid trouble.” (Ainsley in Rhode Island)

· “Can you stop the racism and stop the wars? Make people remember their manners.” (Victor, 4th grader in North Carolina)

· “Sometimes I hope schools will have better food. Sometimes it looks like it expired a long time ago.” (Joel in Arizona)

· “I would like for you to change the Food Lion to have lower prices.” (Mirian, 4th grader in North Carolina)

· “If reporters are asking you questions, just smile and answer one at a time.” (Sophie in Nebraska)

· “Bullies should be arrested and go to jail.” (Eden, 2nd grader in Indiana)